Gardeners urged to mow lawns within a 2-hour window or risk yellow grass

Mowing the lawn at the wrong time during hot weather can weaken grass, increase moisture loss, and leave the lawn vulnerable to drought and yellow patches

Keeping a lawn in good condition during spells of hot weather can prove difficult. Elevated temperatures put strain on grass, making appropriate lawn care all the more crucial.

One of the most frequently neglected elements of summer lawn maintenance is understanding when to mow and selecting the optimal time. Mowing at an unsuitable time can compromise grass health, accelerate moisture loss, and render the lawn susceptible to drought and yellow patches.

Yellow patches and weakened grass don’t indicate it has died, but it’s preferable to prevent this. One approach is to mow the lawn at the correct time, particularly during hot weather spells, as certain parts of the UK are currently experiencing.

According to George Davies Turf & Stone, the “ideal” time to mow your lawn is late morning, between 10am and 12pm.

They said: “The grass blades tend to be drier during this time, so the cut will be cleaner, and the clippings will mulch more efficiently”.

“Mowing early has other advantages as well. The morning dew acts as a natural lubricant, so the blades glide through the grass more smoothly.

“The lower temperatures also ensure less stress on the grass.

“Midday mowing should be avoided, as the heat places extra strain on the lawn.”

Late-afternoon and evening cuts aren’t recommended, but if mowing must take place during these hours, ensure sufficient time for the clippings to dry before darkness falls to avoid disease.

To maintain your lawn in prime condition, mow at least once weekly throughout the active growing season.

However, during warm, dry spells or when you notice growth declining, you can cut back to mowing every 10 to 14 days.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) similarly advises mowing once weekly on average, reducing to fortnightly during drought conditions.

Flower-rich lawns can be mown every four to six weeks, while long-grassed lawns are ideally cut once or twice throughout the summer, though typically not before June.